Two young women killed in a harrowing car crash last Tuesday have been laid to rest in the Republic.

The tragedy at Athy in Co Kildare claimed the lives of four friends. The driver of the car in which they were travelling survived, as did the two occupants of the van their VW Polo collided with. The first funeral was for Chermaine Carroll (20) in her home parish of Bennekerry, Co Carlow, and the second for Gemma Nolan (19) in nearby Askea.

Gemma's life had been one "full of so many, many gifts", chief celebrant Fr Tom Little told mourners.

The funeral of Niamh Doyle (19) will take place today at 12pm in Askea, while the funeral of Ashling Middleton will follow at 2pm in Ballycane, Naas, Co Kildare.